11 Benefits and Uses of Maqui Berry

Medically Reviewed on 9/14/2022
11 Benefits and Uses of Maqui Berry
Maqui berries are beneficial to your appearance and offer other numerous health benefits.

Maqui berry, also known as purple-blue berry or Chilean wine berry, is a newcomer to the superfood family. Maqui berry has a tangy flavor similar to that of blueberries or raspberries and works well in smoothies. 

Maqui berry is high in antioxidants, particularly polyphenols and anthocyanidins, which give the fruit its purple color. These antioxidants have been studied for their potential health benefits in the areas of cardiovascular disease, blood sugar regulation, skin health, and anti-inflammatory qualities

Maqui berries are high in fiber and vitamin C, as well as other nutrients such as potassium, iron, and calcium, which can:

  • boost the immune system,
  • strengthen the bones and joints,
  • increase cognitive function,
  • rejuvenate vision,
  • improve digestion,
  • decrease inflammation, and
  • promote clean and healthy skin.

What are the uses of maqui berry?

There is very limited scientific information about maqui berries that have been published in peer-reviewed scholarly publications.

The berry contains a variety of plant chemicals, which scientists believe contribute to its strong antioxidant activity, including:

  • Phenolic acids
  • Flavonoids
  • Anthocyanins
  • Proanthocyanidin

Furthermore, test-tube studies have reported the anti-inflammatory effects of maqui berry, which have been associated with a lower risk of heart disease.

An increasing body of research suggests that naturally occurring antioxidants from plant foods may lower cellular oxidative damage in the body, which may help protect against chronic illnesses such as:

  • Cancer
  • Neurological disorders
  • Cardiovascular disease

Maqui berries feature significant quantities of anthocyanin chemicals, according to scientists.

11 health benefits of maqui berry

Here are 11 benefits and uses of maqui berry:

  1. Loaded with antioxidants:
    • Because of their high antioxidant content, maqui berries have been dubbed the "new super fruit." Whatever you choose to call them, they assist the body to regulate glucose levels and keep cholesterol levels under control.
    • Maqui berries have 12 times the antioxidant content of regular berries. They have a high concentration of anthocyanins, a plant chemical that protects body cells from oxidation caused by free radicals. 
    • Anthocyanin in these berries reduces inflammation, promotes joint health, and is extremely beneficial for heart health. 
    • Antioxidants in these berries can help prevent cholesterol oxidation, which can lead to major cardiovascular issues. 
    • Additionally, antioxidants promote skin health by slowing the aging process. They inhibit the growth of tumors and cancer risk factors.
  2. May possess anticancer effects:
    • In vitro study has reported that the molecules responsible for the purple hue of the berries, a form of anthocyanin called delphinidine, may rapidly neutralize free radicals, which are a major cause of tumors and cancer.
    • Research that used oxygen radical absorbance capacity to analyze the potential advantages of several anthocyanins discovered that one, known as cyanidin-3-glucoside, is particularly beneficial. It is said to be three times stronger than other anthocyanins.
    • Fortunately, research on anthocyanins in maqui berries has revealed that the main constituent is known as delphinidin, which is a type of cyanidin. This implies that maqui berries may provide significantly more antioxidant protection than many other fruits and vegetables. 
    • According to another study, maqui berries score higher for total radical-trapping potential and total antioxidant reactivity than other berries.
  3. Promotes heart health:
    • According to research, antioxidants present in maqui berries are beneficial to heart health. 
    • Anthocyanins—a type of antioxidant in these berries—reduce cholesterol oxidation, which is linked to heart disease and an increased risk of stroke and heart attack.
    • Maqui is high in carotenoids, which are responsible for the plant's bright color. They may also be responsible for their strong antioxidant capacity and significant free radical–trapping capabilities. 
    • Maqui protects the body from the negative consequences of excessive cholesterol by controlling cholesterol better than other berries or superfoods.
  4. Promotes weight loss:
    • According to research, maqui berry has thermogenic properties that can work with the metabolism to induce weight reduction. Because of the high fiber content, it will satisfy your hunger while also preventing constipation. Furthermore, it lowers blood glucose levels, which may aid in weight loss.
    • Maqui berry is regarded as a slimming fruit because it is low in calories and may fight against the accumulation of fat in cells.
    • Maqui berries may help control appetite by preventing hungry pangs. They increase the metabolic rate, resulting in an effective fat-burning mechanism. 
    • They are an excellent inclusion to the diet for individuals who desire to lose weight while also improving their body's functioning. 
    • When added to the diet, maqui berries cleanse, detoxify, and reduce fat in the body, resulting in weight reduction.
    • The berries' glucose-balancing effects not only aid people with diabetes but also make them perfect for weight loss. Maqui berries limit your body's urge to build new fat cells by reducing blood sugar increases. 
    • Furthermore, they are believed to eliminate toxins from your body and increase metabolism. Detoxifying is something that the body accomplishes naturally, and fruits like maqui aid in the process.
  5. Promotes skin health:
    • Maqui berries are beneficial to your appearance. Antioxidants from these berries assist to counteract aging symptoms such as wrinkles, fine lines, and discoloration and can aid in the healing of your skin. 
    • Maqui berries include potent phytosterols that aid in the reduction of hyperpigmentation (dark spots). These phytosterols function as natural sunscreens, protecting the skin from UV radiation. Furthermore, these berries can prevent UV damage to your skin.
    • Studies have reported that daily consumption of maqui berry or its supplements has resulted in younger-looking skin. It contains anti-aging qualities, which make the skin healthier. 
  6. Supports metabolic health:
    • Maqui berries have been proven in studies to improve carbohydrate and glucose metabolism, owing to high quantities of the chemical delphinidin.
    • Metabolic bioactive substances found in these berries have been demonstrated in studies to help normalize fasting blood glucose and insulin levels in people with prediabetes and type II diabetes.
    • Maqui berries have antidiabetic properties. They have a positive effect on blood sugar levels and glucose tolerance in obese people with hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels).
    • Maqui berries contain anthocyanins, which have demonstrated enhanced glucose absorption in insulin-sensitive muscle cells.
  7. Promotes eye health:
    • Studies report that people who included 60 mg of maqui berry daily in their diet have better vision in their old age. 
    • Maqui berries can help with inhibiting symptoms of dry eyes. Maqui berry has been reported in studies to alleviate dry eye conditions. It promotes natural tear production and reduces light-induced damage to tear glands, making it more effective than eye drops used in treating dry eyes. 
    • The combination of maqui berry and omega-3 fatty acids aids in the development of the oily layer and reduces the evaporation of tears, thereby promoting good eye health.
  8. Anti-inflammatory properties:
    • Antioxidants in maqui berries are anti-inflammatory. 
    • Maqui berry may help reduce the damage to the lungs caused by inflammation or oxidative stress. Consuming these berries may alleviate a variety of symptoms, including those caused by smoking.
    • Furthermore, restricted consumption of maqui berries aids in the treatment of numerous inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.
  9. Promotes brain health:
    • Alzheimer's disease (AD) is distinguished by the presence of amyloid-β plaques in the brain and low levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh).
    • Maqui may aid in the prevention of AD by offering neuroprotective properties against these plaques. Maqui also contains acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, which may aid in increasing ACh levels in the body and brain. 
    • Moreover, maqui reduces endotoxin-induced inflammation, which is a prevalent concern in neuro-inflammation (inflammation of the brain).
  10. Boosts the immune system:
    • Maqui has the highest concentrations of polyphenols, anthocyanins, and resveratrol, which are considered to enhance the functioning of the immune system.
    • Bioflavonoids in maqui berry work as potent antioxidants that destroy free radicals. This permits the body to improve its processes by providing more oxygen to the cells and so increasing circulation. 
    • Toxins are effectively removed, and vitamins and minerals from nutritious meals are appropriately digested, absorbed, and used when maqui berry is added to the diet.
    • Boosting your immune system keeps you healthy. You have more energy, so you perform better.
  11. Antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties:
    • Maqui berries are high in antimicrobial capabilities. This amazing feature of maqui berries aids in the successful treatment of bacterial diseases. 
    • According to research published in the journal Phytotherapy Research, maqui berry extract demonstrated favorable action against HSV-2, often known as genital herpes.
    • Maqui berries have high quantities of delphinidins and anthocyanins, which can fight infections on several levels, preventing colds and flu, and improving cognitive capacity and memory.
    • Antioxidants in these berries are particularly powerful due to naturally occurring high amounts of phytonutrients, ensuring good digestion by improving gut flora and returning cells to a healthy germ-free condition.

SLIDESHOW

Foods That Aren't as Healthy as You Think See Slideshow
Medically Reviewed on 9/14/2022
References
Image Source: Getty images

Maqui - Uses, Side Effects, and More: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1257/maqui#:

Bioavailability Study of Maqui Berry Extract in Healthy Subjects: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6267473/

What Is Maqui Berry? https://medicinalherbals.net/maqui-berry-aristotelia-chilensis-superfruit/

Maqui Berry: The Newest Superfruit: https://www.wku.edu/news/articles/index.php?view=article&articleid=810

Wild Maqui Berry: A Superfood with Proven Health Benefits: https://www.healwithfood.org/superfoods/wild-maqui-berry-health-benefits.php